Access to Neurorehabilitation Interdisciplinary Outpatient Programs in British Columbia. (31st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Nathan; Prescott, Andre; Winston, Paul
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Volume 50:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 452
• Publication Date: 2023-05-31
• Subjects: Interdisciplinary communication -- Neurological rehabilitation -- Patient care team; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.37
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0317-1671

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This survey explored access to British Columbia (BC) hospital-based neurorehabilitation outpatient programs (HB-NROPs). Fifteen rehabilitation-focused healthcare providers were interviewed. Wait times for HB-NROPs were up to 3 months for initial appointments, and inclusion criteria were variable. Two HB-NROPs had occasional access to specialized physicians. Informal communication methods were preferred modes of collaboration. BC HB-NROPs varied in access, use of interdisciplinary care, and outcome measures used to measure performance. The lack of coverage for nonphysician services may be a barrier to collaborative care in the community. Future projects should explore solutions to improve funding and equal access to BC HB-NROPs.